(BOSTON, MA) – The Joint Committee on Education, led by Senator Jason Lewis and Representative Alice Peisch, held a special informational hearing yesterday, November 22nd, on the status of K-12 education in Massachusetts public schools. The Committee heard testimony from Baker-Polito Administration officials, educators and administrators, and a number of stakeholders and education policy experts. The information gathered at the hearing will help inform the work of the state legislature going forward.
“I was very pleased to partner with Representative Peisch to hold this special informational hearing on the impacts of the pandemic on student learning and social emotional health, as well as best practices to help our students and schools continue to recover,” said Senator Jason Lewis. “Addressing these impacts will require intensive and sustained efforts at both the local and state levels, and I greatly appreciate the input and expertise shared by everyone who testified at today’s hearing.”
“It has become clear that the pandemic had a tremendous impact on student learning, the mental health of both students and teachers, and the education sector as a whole,” said Representative Alice H. Peisch. “Yesterday’s hearing was an important step in getting a sense of where K-12 education in Massachusetts public schools currently stands, as well as gathering information on what resources and policies might be needed at the state level to continue addressing the diverse needs of students and educators as we emerge from a period of interrupted learning. I would like to thank my co-chair, Senator Lewis, for his partnership in this effort, as well as Speaker Mariano for his unwavering support for Massachusetts schools and his leadership as we continue recovering from the various impacts of COVID-19.”
Video of the full hearing will be archived and available to view on the General Court’s website in the coming days: www.malegislature.gov.
